TheFairfield Bridle Trail Association
Preserving our riding trail network since 1938
Fairfield Bridle Trail Association
PO Box 515
Fairfield, CT 06824
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The tradition of horsemanship is alive and well in the town of Fairfield and it's neighboring communities. Thanks to the support of sympathetic homeowners, our enthusiastic members, local land trusts and designated open spaces, the FBTA is able to maintain the most extensive network of riding trails in Fairfield County. If you are interested in becoming a member or supporting the trails system please contact us at info@fairfieldbridletrails.org.
See the FBTA Calendar page for a list of more local events.
New and Noteworthy
FBTA HOLIDAY PARTY! Thursday, December 10th
Don't miss your chance to catch up with your fellow FBTA riding friends and make new ones! Member Deborah Webb is hosting this year's party. Please stand by for your inviation, either by "Evite" or mail if we do not have your email address. Hope to see you there!
Our Fall Newsletter is here!
If you did not receive your copy, or are not a member, take a look by clicking here. In this issue:
Hunter Trails Results + Photos, Seen on the Trails, Did you know? Members in our community, New for 2010, Winter horse care tips, and the Classifieds section: Stall + Services
FBTA Mourns the Passing of past-FBTA President and community leader Sue Eckert
Sue Eckert passed away on Friday, November 13th. A wake was held for her at the Lesko funeral home in the Brick Walk on Monday, and a funeral service was held Tuesday at St. Timothy’s Church in Fairfield. In addition to being a past president of the FBTA, Sue was on the FBTA board, served as our liaison with the town, and as an elected member of Fairfield’s Representative Town meeting for many, many years. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Connecticut Children's Medical Center Saddle-Up Trail Ride - Sunday, November 1st
Come ride the 8 miles of beautiful trails at the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard's Fairfield Hills Facility and help raise funds for the kids at Connecticut Children's Medical Center! Hosted by the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard, 4 Wildlife Drive, Newtown, CT, 203-426-9046. These trails are beautiful and are rarely open to the public so this is an excellent opportunity to explore new territory! Start times are from 9 am - 12 pm. See the CCMC Saddle-Up Ride Flyer for details. For further information contact SGT. Jackie Sundblade (203) 558-4749 or (203) 729-3065.
2009 FBTA Hunter Trials - October 11th
The 2009 FBTA Hunter Trials will be held on Sunday, October 11th at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport, CT. For a copy of the 2009 FBTA Hunter Trials Prize List and Entry Form click here. Please print out both for your reference and mail in your entry form with a check made out to the "FBTA."
You may also enter the day of the event. Registration opens at 7:00 am. Junior classes start at 8:00 am, Adult classes start after 12:00 pm.
New Newman/Poses Preserve in Westport will be accessible to Horseback Riders
According to an article printed in the Westport News on September 3, 2009, 38 acres of land in northern Westport, some of which was donated to the town of Westport by the Newman family, will be designated as a nature preserve. The new recreational area, named the "Newman/Poses Preserve" will be managed by the Aspetuck Land Trust. It will be accessible to horseback riders (yeah!). ALT is currently expanding the trail network and seeking approval for the parking lot - which may only accomodate 10 cars so get there early! Contact the ALT for further information. You can read the complete article by clicking on this link: //www.westportnow.com/index.php?/v2/comments/town_seeks_creation_of_newman_poses_nature_preserve/
Stablecloth Luxury Riding Apparel Sample Sale
This weekend! June 19 - June 21st
Member Erin Hornung is hosting a sample sale of her gorgeous custom made riding clothes this weekend. Come check it out at 88 Overhill Road, Fairfield, Friday to Sunday June 19 - 21st.
Trout Brook 10th Anniversary Ride Saturday, June 13 between 8:00 - 12:00
Come for an open ride and tailgate at Trout Brook Valley Preserve in Easton to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Trails will be marked for riders and will include access to the orchard for an outstanding view of Long Island Sound.
Parking: will be in the emergency parking area off Bradley Road
Time: 8-12. Wander the trails at your own pace or meet up with others
Come and have family members who are not riding come hike the trails and meet you for a tailgate luncheon afterwards.
Please RSVP to Ali diBonaventura at 203-247-7369
FBTA Mountain Laurel Ride
Sunday, May 30th What an incredible day for our mountain laurel ride - only no mountain laurel flowers! Apparently it will be a couple of weeks before they are in bloom. The tailgating party afterwards welcomed husbands and friends who had biked up to the park and children and dogs who were brought along to enjoy the gorgeous afternoon under the trees, while the horses grazed along side. See our Organized Rides page for more photos.
Pictured above: Ariane Mermod, Anya Porter, Deborah Webb, Susan Barnet, Jeanette Ciciora, Dorothy Porter, and Gwyneth Feroleto.
FBTA Derby Day Fundraiser a Big Success
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 The 135th Run for the Roses was celebrated on the great lawn of the Pequot Library with a fundraising tailgating party to benefit the library and the bridle trail association. It was a beautiful sunny day, a dixie land band was playing in the background, and the lawn was filled with men in their foxhunting pinks and ladies in fantastic derby hats. Kentucky fare was served all around. The event was featured in the Connecticut Post - and the Bridle Trails won "Most Elegant Tailgate"! We raised a nice amount of money for the FBTA, but most importantly had a great time drinking mint juleps and speculating on the horses. Thanks to all for the incredible turnout and the great support. We are looking forward to seeing you next year!
Barbara Burian and "Hobbs" are ready for the hounds!
Member Erin Hornung and Co-President Dorothy Porter sporting their Derby Hats
The FBTA Tent and Tailgate prior to the start of the event *winner of "Most Elegant Tailgate"
FCHPC/FBTA Hunts with Golden's Bridge Hounds
March 27, 2009 Many thanks to the Golden's Bridge Hounds for inviting the Fairfield County Hounds Pony Club to join them on their last Saturday hunt of the season. FBTA members made themselves available to accompany the young riders. Special thanks to Anita Zander of the GBHs for leading the third field and providing guidance to the pony clubbers out on their first hunt. Member Deborah Webb served as official groom and photographer, and the FCHPC "parents" prepared a great tailgate.
Pictured above, from left to right: Elizabeth McIntosh from the FCHPC, Jeanette Ciciora, Dorothy Porter, Erin Hornung, and Ariane Mermod from the FBTA.
Whippers-in preparing to set off with the hounds
FBTA Beach Ride
March 21, 2009 A sunny warm Saturday lured members Caroline Sicilian, Bonnie Kreitler, Jeanette Ciciora, Dorothy Porter, Deborah Webb, Robin Garr, and Ariane Mermod out to Penfield Beach for one of the last beach rides of the season.
Follow the leader!
FBTA Hunts with Golden's Bridge Hounds
March 24, 2009 FBTA co-president Dorothy Porter and member Erin Hornung joined the GBH for one of their last hunts of the season. Ariane Mermod acted as official staff groom and photographer. 
Members Erin Hornung, Ariane Mermod, and Dorothy Porter
FBTA Holiday Party - December 4th
Please join us at the home of co-president Dorothy Porter for an evening of celebration on Thursday, December 4th. All members are welcome. Please let us know if you did not receive an invitation.
FBTA/FCH Pony Club Group Ride
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2008 at 1:00 pm - SOUTHPORT
Please meet Dorothy Porter (on her big black horse Charlie) at 1 pm at the corner of Morehouse and Cedar Road in Southport. It is an FBTA/FCH Pony Club ride, walk/trot and w/t/c trail option. For more information please contact Dorothy Porter at dmeekporter@optonline.net.
FBTA Hunter Trials Results!
Many thanks to all of you who came out to support the Fairfield Bridle Trail Association on Columbus Day, October 13th, 2008. The results of the classes and divisions are listed on our Hunter Trials web page. If you have any photographs from the day we would love to post them. Please forward them to huntertrails@fairfieldbridletrails.org.
Special congratulations go to:
David Goodwin, for the Foggy Dew Perpetual Trophy
Kate Bundy on Manhattan Tails for Low Junior Hunter Champion Nadja Titinsky on Rainsox for LJH Reserve
Isabel McCaskey on Forever Young for High Junior Champion Christina Schweir on Dirty Martini for HJH Reserve
David Goodwin on Alliance for Low Adult Hunter Champion Ellika Shilling on Milla for Low Adult Hunter Reserve
Carla Sharp on Sundance Kid and Joanne Murphy on Tucker for High Adult Hunter Champion (Tied)
Christina Devine on Leopold for High Adult Hunter Reserve
We look forward to seeing you next year!
Riding to continue on Penfield Beach!
On August 20th the Parks & Recreation Commission voted to continue to permit riding on Penfield Beach in the winter months. Beach access for horses will continue from October 1 to March 31. The only rule added was that horse owners must clean up any horse droppings on the beach or in the parking lot. Our thanks to all those who petitioned the town to maintain this tradition.
Make new riding friends, discover new riding territory, and share your knowledge with other riders. Contact us at info@fairfieldbridletrails.org for more information or go ahead and become a member today!
The FBTA Columbus Day Hunter Trials is a great way to support the trails association while having fun on your pony or horse. It is open to members and non-members alike. Please refer to the Hunter Trails page for more information.
Don't ride but want to support the equine tradition in Fairfield? Please become a supporter of the FBTA. You will receive a copy of our newsletter, invitations to attend our special events, and our sincere appreciation.
Fairfield Bridle Trail Association
PO Box 515
Fairfield, CT 06824
info
